Volkswagen has decided on ‘GTE’, rather than the rumoured ‘TwinDrive’ as the badge for its new plug-in hybrid Golf. The car uses the same powertrain as the Audi A3 e-tron.
The PHEV system consists of a 1.4-litre 110kW/150PS TSI direct-injection petrol engine and a 75kW/102PS electric motor. Together, they produce claimed power of 150kW/204PS plus 350Nm of torque.
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Volkswagen says that in electric mode (activated by pushing a button), the Golf GTE can travel up to 50km/31 miles, depending on conditions, and the electric power can also be saved – for example when driving to a zero-emissions zone. The 8.8kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged in around three and a half hours from a domestic mains outlet, or two and a half hours from a domestic wallbox. The battery weighs 120kg, giving the GTE a total kerb weight of 1,520kg.
The standard transmission is a a six-speed DSG with a triple-clutch system specially developed for hybrid vehicles. The electric motor is integrated into the gearbox housing, while further hybrid components include power electronics and a charger. The brake servo is electro-mechanical and the air conditioning compressor is electric.
Visually, the Golf GTE combines elements of the look of the e-Golf and the GTI. The front bumper features C-shaped LED daytime running lights, like those on the e-Golf, as well as aerodynamic horizontal ‘fins’, like those on the GTI. Where the GTI features red, the GTE has blue accents, including across the grille and into the headlights.
Inside as on the outside, the GTE features blue highlights where the GTI has red. This includes stitching on the steering wheel, gear lever gaiter and seats, and a blue stripe in the tartan pattern on the sports seats. The car also has an e-manager which allows the driver to preset vehicle charging, as well as interior cooling or heating. These functions can also be operated remotely using the Volkswagen Car-Net app on a smartphone.
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By GlobalDataDeliveries in European markets are due to commence in October, with cars for the UK due “before the end of the year”.
